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Guelph Politico is locally sourced and dedicated to covering the political and cultural scene in the City of Guelph. Est. 2008.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Guthrie Delivers his First State of the City

Earlier today, Mayor Cam Guthrie did what mayors do and delivered a speech. In this instance, the speech was the annual State of the City address at a breakfast get together held by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. This was Guthrie's first State of the City, and like the more famous "State of the Union" addresses made by the cheif executive of the country immediately to the south of us, it's filled with fine platidudes and a lot of feather fluffing about the awesomeness of the Royal City (not that it isn't well deserved of course). The press release about the State of the City is below. There's a link at the bottom to the address itself complete with charts and stuff.

GUELPH, ON, April 24, 2015 – In his first State of the City address
since being elected Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie said Guelph needs to
maintain its high quality of life while being an affordable place to
raise a family and run a business.

"Some would have you believe that Guelph faces a choice: we can be a
great city with high taxes, or we can be an affordable city with few
services and amenities. I reject that. I believe Guelph can be a great
city that is also affordable,” Mayor Guthrie said.

In his remarks, Mayor Guthrie set out his vision for achieving
affordability by attracting jobs and investment; focusing on excellent
core municipal services that deliver value for tax dollars; achieving
efficiencies and innovations in City operations; and setting priorities
through Council’s shared agenda process.

He pointed to renewed momentum in the City’s Integrated Operational
Review (IOR) as an important step in attracting business and development
to the city, and challenged businesses to share their experiences
publicly when they see positive changes at City Hall.

“As Mayor, I want to make sure everyone knows what Guelph has to
offer – and I want more entrepreneurs knocking on our door. And rest
assured, the City will open that door for you,” he said.

Mayor Guthrie applauded City employees who provided exceptional
customer service in responding to a record number of frozen water pipes
this winter, noting that affected residents and businesses “offered more
“thank yous” than I have ever seen in my time on Council.” He also
recognized employees who have contributed ideas for efficiencies and
improvements to City operations, saying, “employees are a great resource
in building a liveable and affordable city.”

The mayor also issued a challenge to local businesses to get involved
in efforts to eliminate poverty in the community, highlighting Circles
Guelph-Wellington as one example of an organization that helps people
move from poverty to sustainability.

A key theme of the address was the need for Council, City staff, and
people and businesses to work together. “It’s only by working together
as a collective “we” that we can make positive change for the city of
Guelph,” he said. “There are a lot of important issues ahead and a lot
of stakeholders to be involved along the way. With my Council
colleagues, with the City’s staff, and with the people of the community –
we will help make Guelph all that it can be.”The Mayor’s State of the City breakfast is an annual event hosted by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.

The complete text of Mayor Guthrie’s State of the City address can be found on the Mayor’s Office page at guelph.ca/council.